Eggplant

Plant Overview

Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is listed in the Solanaceae family and categorized as a vegetable with a tender perennial commonly grown as an annual crop life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Moderate.

Plant ID

PLT-0039

Family

Solanaceae

Plant type

Vegetable

Life cycle

Tender perennial commonly grown as an annual crop

Growth habit

Warm-season bushy herbaceous plant with branching stems, broad leaves, purple or white flowers, and fleshy fruits

Mature height

Commonly about 2-4 feet tall, depending on cultivar and growing conditions

Mature spread

Commonly about 2-3 feet wide

Difficulty

Moderate

Growing Conditions

Eggplant is listed for full sun conditions. Water needs are listed as moderate; keep soil evenly moist during flowering and fruit development while avoiding prolonged waterlogging. The database soil reference is Fertile, well-drained loam rich in organic matter with good moisture retention. The listed soil pH range is 5.5-6.8, and the listed hardiness range is 9-12 as perennial; annual elsewhere.

Hardiness zones

9-12 as perennial; annual elsewhere

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil

Fertile, well-drained loam rich in organic matter with good moisture retention

Soil pH

5.5-6.8

Water needs

Moderate; keep soil evenly moist during flowering and fruit development while avoiding prolonged waterlogging

Plant spacing

Space plants roughly 18-24 inches apart, with rows about 30-36 inches apart

Seed & Germination

For seed starting, the listed germination time is Typically 5-14 days from seed when conditions are suitable and the seed depth is About 1/4-1 inch depending on seed size. The listed time to maturity is Typically 45-120 days depending on cultivar and growing conditions. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.

Germination

Typically 5-14 days from seed when conditions are suitable

Germination temperature

Eggplant seed germinates best in warm conditions, commonly around 75-85°F, with consistent moisture

Seed depth

About 1/4-1 inch depending on seed size

Sowing method

Start eggplant seed indoors several weeks before warm planting weather, then transplant hardened seedlings outdoors after frost danger has passed and soil temperatures have warmed

Start indoors

Optional for crops that tolerate transplanting; otherwise direct sow

Transplanting

Transplant after hardening off when temperatures suit the crop

Harvest & Propagation

Days to maturity

Typically 45-120 days depending on cultivar and growing conditions

Harvest

Harvest fruits while the skin is glossy, the flesh is firm, and seeds are still soft; overripe fruits become dull, seedy, and more bitter

Propagation

Primarily propagated by seed and usually started indoors before warm weather

Seed saving

Allow selected eggplant fruits to mature well beyond the eating stage until fully ripe and dull-colored, remove and clean the mature seeds from the flesh, then dry thoroughly before storage; separate varieties if maintaining seed purity

Pollination

Eggplant flowers are largely self-pollinating, though vibration from wind or insects such as bees can improve fruit set

Garden Information

Common pests

Flea beetles, aphids, spider mites, Colorado potato beetles, hornworms, whiteflies, and other solanaceous-crop pests

Common diseases

Verticillium wilt, bacterial wilt, Phomopsis blight, early blight, anthracnose, damping-off, and root rots

Uses

Cooked fruit for grilling, roasting, frying, curries, stews, casseroles, dips, sauces, and other savory dishes